Monday, August 3, 2015

Bible Study Notes in Zechariah- Chapter 5

Zechariah 5

-Zechariah lifts his eyes up again and sees a flying scroll.
The angel asks him, “What do you see?” The prophet replies, “I see a flying
scroll; its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits (approximately 30
x 15 feet).” Then the angel said to him, “This is the curse that is going forth
over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away
according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears will be purged
away according to the writing on the other side. ‘I will make it go forth,’ declares
the LORD, ‘and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who
swears falsely by My Name; and it will spend the night within that house and
consume it with its timber and stones (Zechariah 5:1-4).’” Then the angel who
was speaking with Zechariah went out and asked the prophet to observe once
more. This time he saw the ephah (a basket) going forth with a woman sitting
inside it. Then the angel proclaimed, “This is wickedness!” The lead cover that
was lifted up in the revelation was thrown down on her into the middle of the
ephah at its opening. Then two women came out with wind in their stork-like wings
lifting up the ephah between the earth and the heavens. Zechariah asked the
angel where they were taking the ephah to which the spiritual being exposed, “To
build a temple for her in the land of Shinar (Babylon- symbol for the center of
world idolatry and wickedness); and when it is prepared, she will be set there
on her own pedestal (Zechariah 5:5-11).” To see what happens to Babylon, read
Revelation 18. This signifies a departure of sin and corruption from the land
of Israel, and a returning to their true King.

-*Application* Lying and stealing are an abomination unto
the LORD. He brings a curse on those who practice such deeds. Further, He
detests idolatry and any kind of wickedness that sets itself up against Him.
Worship the LORD alone and drive out the foreign gods that have no power or
authority (Revelation 9:20-21).